Successful Tuam businessman John Concannon of JFC Manufacturing Ltd will be one of several guest speakers at a two-day national business networking forum which takes place in Galway in November.
MeetWest 2011 is expected to attract 400 delegates to the Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill, on November 21 and 22 in a bid to promote business in the west of Ireland and offer new and innovative networking opportunities.
Speaking at this week’s launch, Roscommon county manager Frank Dawson urged all business in the west and further afield to take part.
‘The MeetWest event will provide a great opportunity for companies in the west region of Galway, Mayo and Roscommon to generate new business for themselves. The support agencies involved are delighted to be able to create an environment that will facilitate more business for companies and I look forward to hearing from the great line up of speakers who should provide invaluable business advice,’ he said.
Speakers including John Perry, Minister for Small Business; Jerry Kennelly, MD Tweak.com; Gerry Kilcommins, Medtrontic Galway’s general manager; Helen Ryan, CEO Creganna Medical Devices; Mary Gleeson of Gleeson’s Townhouse & Restaurant,Roscommon & Good Food Ireland Circle, and John Concannon.
The Tuam businessman, who recently starred on RTE’s Secret Millionaire series, said he had participated in similar events to the MeetWest initiative in other parts of the country and found they have been a good source of business for his company.
“ I am delighted that this event is being staged in this region. I would strongly advise any other company operating from Galway, Mayo and Roscommon to register to be involved as soon as possible. It’s too good a business opportunity to miss.”
Workshops will include exporting, procurement in the public and private sector and tax credits, while delegates will have up to 10 pre-arranged meetings with other companies with which they have been specifically matched in terms of doing business on day two.
MeetWest 2011 is expected to attract participants across all business sectors including agri-food and beverage industry, pharmaceutical and health, construction, engineering, craft and textiles, IT, energy supply, alternative energies, manufacturing, printing and design, services to SMEs, research and education, tourism, hospitality, transport and logistics involved in Irish public sector buyers, micro-enterprises, small and medium-sized companies, and large companies and multinationals.
Partners organising MeetWest 2011 are Galway City Council, Galway County Council, Roscommon County Council, Mayo County Council, Galway County and City Enterprise Board, Roscommon County Enterprise Board, Mayo County Enterprise Board, Enterprise Ireland and Udaras na Gaeltachta.
